A shield was an important part of ancient armor, used to protect the soldier against incoming rounds from the enemy. Figuratively it is used of God as the protector of His people. David used this figure of speech during the time of Absalom’s rebellion recorded in 2 Samuel 15 as he took flight to the desert, saying in Psalm 3:3 “But You, O Lord, are a shield for me…” He again uses it in Psalm 28:7 as he rejoices before God declaring “The Lord is my strength and my shield.” In ancient times various rulers or kings who won military victories would place their feet on the necks of enemies they had conquered; their enemies were subdued under them; we are given a picture of this in Joshua 10:24-25. Coming to the New Testament we are clearly told that our conflict is not “against flesh and blood, but against principalities…powers…the rulers of the darkness of this age…spiritual hosts of wickedness…” Ephesians 6:12, with an important part of our armor being “the shield of faith” verse 16. In Hebrews 2:6-9 we see all things put in subjection under the feet of men yet we are still fighting battles, “But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels” (made one of us) who won the war. If we remain faithful in the battle we will ultimately share in His victory, cf. Ephesians 1:22-23.
The Shield
By Rose Hill
Many things may arise,
And come up before your eyes.
Bringing distraction all around,
And making plans fall to the ground.
But you can trust in your Master,
In the midst of every disaster.
He has promised to be your shield,
To His help you must yield.
He is the one who lifts your head,
For in His promise He has said.
That you should never be dismayed,
And you don’t need to be afraid.
For He is with you and by your side,
And in His shelter you can abide.
The enemy’s plans He will defeat,
God has a plan that can’t be beat.
Scripture quotations are form the New King James Version copyright 1982 by Thomas Nelson Co. used by permission.